U of S counsellor offers advice for new university students

University can be daunting for first year students.

From large classes to troubles with roommates, students can often feel overwhelmed as they enter school.

"They're having to navigate a lot of changes," said Terrie Fitzpatrick, Manager of CounsellingServices at the University of Saskatchewan.

"In the first year, they're shifting from high school to navigating university, which means they have to find their own classes, deal with different profs."

However, there are strategies new students can use to keep themselves out of trouble. One of the best ideas in the first week is to get a handle on the geography of campus.

"Get to know the PAC (Physical Activity Complex), the layout of the land here at the university," she said. "Where their classes are, meet their profs, and that usually dissipates the anxiety or stress."

Drinking canbecome a serious problem for younger students. The key is not overdoing things.

"Part of it is trying to deal with the anxiety and stress," she said. "But they should enjoy in moderation."

Roommates can also be stressful, especially if clear guidelines aren't laid out first.

"I think open communication, right from the beginning, often can relieve some of the issues," she said. "If there's an agreement on how the living arrangements want to be situated at the beginning, that's usually the best."

Students at the University looking for help can call Student Counselling Services at (306) 966-4920.

The Student CounsellingServices website also offers self-help hand outs onmany mental health experiences such as depression, worry, anxiety and stress.